SCE BOLT 2.0 FAQs

General Program Information

What is Southern California Edison’s BOLT Study?
The Behind-the-Meter Optimization of Load Technology (BOLT) Study is an innovative demand
response pilot offered by Southern California Edison (SCE) in partnership with Uplight and
Optiwatt. It aims to explore how residential customers can easily enroll multiple controllable
devices - such as electric vehicles (EVs), smart thermostats, and battery storage - into a single,
flexible program that supports the electric grid. The program will test new technologies,
streamline enrollment, and provide customers with incentives for participation. Participation is
penalty-free, customers can opt out of individual events at any time while remaining enrolled in
the program and eligible for rewards.

Why is SCE offering this program?
SCE is offering the BOLT Study to modernize its approach to shifting energy demand away from
times of high-use by simplifying customer participation, improving customer engagement, and
enabling a wide range of technologies and vendors to participate. The goal is to make demand
response programs more nimble, cost-effective, and scalable while providing valuable grid
services.

How long will the study last?
The BOLT Study is expected to run through Q4 2026, with primary events occurring during
Summer 2026 and potential additional events in Fall/Winter 2026.
 

Participation & Enrollment

How do I participate in the program?
To participate, click on the invite you received in-app and via email from Palmetto (
https://palmetto.com/), your battery and energy supplier. To learn more, visit
https://get.optiwatt.com/southern-california-edison-sce-bolt-ev-reward-program/.

How do I stop participating in the program?
You may unenroll at any time through the Optiwatt app, or by contacting Optiwatt customer
support by phone at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].

Rewards & Incentives

If I agree to participate in the SCE BOLT Study with Optiwatt, what will I receive?
Participants may receive enrollment (one-time) and participation payments based on the type of
eligible devices enrolled:

• Smart Thermostats: $75 enrollment + $25 participation
• Electric Vehicles: $100 enrollment + $25 participation

Rewards are paid per device, and customers may stack rewards by enrolling multiple devices.
 

When will I receive my rewards?
Enrollment rewards are paid within three weeks of enrollment. Participation rewards are paid
within three weeks after the end of the calendar year.
 

Device Impact (EVs & Thermostats)

How will this affect my charging schedule?
Participation in the BOLT Study may involve changes to your EV charging schedule during
periods of high grid demand. These changes are managed by Optiwatt and are designed to
support the grid during peak periods while prioritizing the preferences you set in your Optiwatt
account to minimize disruption to your routine, making sure your car is always charged when
you need it.

Will this pilot prevent me from charging my EV?
No. The BOLT Study is designed to optimize charging rather than prevent it. Your EV charging
may be shifted or paused briefly during specific demand response events, but you retain the
ability to charge your EV as needed and can always opt out of events.

How will this affect my thermostat?
By enrolling a thermostat in the Study, you agree to allow Optiwatt to manage your thermostat
usage daily and during peak demand windows. Within your Optiwatt account, you can set your
acceptable temperature range.

Support

If I have further questions, who should I contact?
Further questions should be directed to Optiwatt by emailing [e-mail]